Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-25
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the draft bill, which would streamline the permitting process for geological surveys in order to boost Estonia's competitiveness and increase national wealth. He criticizes the ruling coalition and the officialdom for rejecting sensible legislation, citing political opposition and bureaucratic stalling. His framework is clearly policy- and results-driven, stressing the necessity of acting without fear to expand the nation's knowledge base.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in mineral resource exploration and permitting processes, focusing on the role of local governments and their lack of specialized capacity. They address a specific legal amendment concerning the two-month consultation phase required when applying for an exploration permit. They emphasize that the issue of mineral resources, particularly exploration, should be treated as a national matter.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and logical, concentrating on the substantive simplicity and significance of the draft legislation while appealing to the concept of national wealth. However, the tone is critical and worried when he accuses officials of "making things up" and highlights the political resistance that impedes national development. The speaker employs rhetorical questions to draw attention to the political motives behind the opposition's rejection of the proposed bills.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively engaged in legislative work, referencing a draft bill that was introduced nearly a year ago. His/Her pattern of activity includes posing questions to colleagues regarding the committee’s work and the actions of officials, as well as defending his/her own draft bill before the plenary session. He/She is also involved in monitoring the activities of the Ministry of Climate.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the officials and the coalition, who are being criticized for political opposition and bureaucratic obstruction. The criticism is intense, directly referencing the dishonesty of the officials ("they’re just making things up") and political retaliation in rejecting opposition bills. He suspects the bill is being rejected solely because it was initiated by the opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges all members of parliament to support the draft legislation, highlighting its benefits for Estonia as a whole and striving to secure widespread backing. He actively questions committee members regarding the views and reasoning of their colleagues. There is no direct mention of cooperation with the coalition; rather, disappointment is voiced due to political opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, emphasizing Estonia's competitiveness and the growth of national wealth through mineral exploration. While the draft legislation does address the requirement to seek input from local authorities, the speaker argues that mineral exploration should be a national issue, not a factor that impedes the local process.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for economic growth and wealth creation, viewing the streamlining of geological research as the route to a better standard of living and increased competitiveness. He opposes unnecessary regulatory hurdles that impede the acquisition of knowledge and economic development. He stresses that a wise nation makes the effort to fully understand its natural resources.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on accelerating and simplifying the permit process for geological surveys by removing the requirement to seek the opinion of the local government during the research phase. The speaker is both the initiator and a supporter of this draft legislation, emphasizing its crucial role in national knowledge and resource management. The bill was introduced almost a year ago.
3 Speeches Analyzed